A Day in the Life of Prince Amari Aminu on Game Day

Game day is finally here. There’s a certain buzz around town, and the day is typically flooded with nerves and excitement all the way up to kickoff. For freshman quarterback Prince Amari Aminu, who currently plays at Woodward Academy in Georgia, each game is not just a chance to shine but a moment to embrace and grow. Let's take a look at what a typical game day looks like for this promising young athlete.

Morning Routine: Rise and Shine

Prince’s day begins early, as he wakes up around 7 AM. The quiet of the morning is a stark contrast to the energy that will fill the rest of his day. He starts with a nutritious breakfast - eggs, sausage, and fruit - to fuel his body for the high demands of game day. Prince told me he will also use this time to review his playbook and reflect on his training throughout the week. He likes to visualize himself making plays in the game, and delivering throws to his receivers that are right on the money.  

After breakfast, Prince grabs his backpack and gear bag, and he heads to school for the day.

Pre-Game Rituals: Team Bonding

Around noon, the team gathers for lunch in the school cafeteria. They chat about their favorite games, share some laughs, and talk about what’s happening at school, or over the weekend. This is the merely the calm before the storm - an important moment where the team builds unity and camaraderie. It’s these moments of team bonding that help solidify their trust in each other on the field, and help them play at a high level.

The Bus Ride: Getting in the Zone

Once the school day ends, it’s time for the team to board the bus. This is where Prince begins to shift his focus inward. With his headphones on, he tunes into his pre-game playlist. Prince said his music varies from R&B to rap music that gets him pumped up. Whether it’s a track by Lil Durk or watching motivational reels on Instagram, this is his time to block out distractions and get into the zone.

During the ride, Prince reflects on the game plan and visualizes himself executing flawless passes and leading his team to victory. He engages in light conversations with his teammates, but said he mostly tries to remain in his own mental zone.

Pre-Game Warm-Up: Focus and Preparation

Upon arriving to the field, it’s time for warm-ups. The atmosphere is electric, with fans filling the stands and the opposing team warming up on the other side. Prince and his team hit the field for stretching, drills, and practice runs. Amari focuses on his footwork, arm strength, and timing with his receivers. Every drill is executed with precision, preparing him to be at his best when the game begins.

Game Time: Execution and Poise

As kickoff gets closer, the tension builds, but Prince remains focused. He knows that his role as quarterback is crucial - he’s the leader on the field, and responsible for calling plays and making split-second decisions. When he steps onto the field, he embraces the challenge, blocking out any pressure or expectations. Prince said he gains more confidence as the game goes on, and with each snap. He reads the defense, makes smart decisions, and leads his team down the field to score. 

When I asked him how he handles the pressure leading up to, and throughout the game, he said something that also shows maturity well beyond his years. He said, “I never let the moment be bigger than me.” Whether executing a pass or making a play with his feet when the play breaks down, Prince’s poise under pressure shines through.

Post-Game Reflections: Learning and Growing

After the game, win or lose, Prince takes time to reflect. He meets with his coaches for a debrief, reviewing what went well and what could be improved. For Prince, especially as a freshman, every game is an opportunity to learn and grow as a player and a leader. At the end of the day, Prince heads home to spend time with his family before he starts preparing to tackle the next challenge.

For Prince Amari Aminu, every game day is a step towards becoming not just a great quarterback but a great leader. His journey is just beginning, but with each game, he’s blazing his own trail to a bright future.